How to attend the Papal audience?

A once-in-a-lifetime Vatican moment—witness the Pope in person with guidance and context from an expert.

• Everything you get: Experience one of the Vatican’s most powerful traditions as Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims from around the world. Join hymns, prayers, and reflections in St. Peter’s Square. Your guide will provide rich insight into the significance of the event, the Pope’s message, and centuries of papal tradition—before and during the audience.
• Why choose this: Seeing the Pope live is on many travelers' bucket lists—but navigating the logistics can be tricky. This tour takes the stress out of it by securing your official Vatican entry and guiding you to a good viewing spot in the Square early.
• Upgrades: After the gathering, explore the Basilica’s chapels, tombs, and masterpieces with a guided tour that adds meaning to your morning.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of the Papal Audience experience

• Pre-arranged Papal Audience ticket

• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica (as per option selected)

• Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Headsets

What to bring

• Papal Audience voucher or booking confirmation (digital or printed)
• Valid photo ID matching the name on your reservation

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, or bulky items (no storage facilities onsite)
• Animals, glass objects
• Flash photography or video recording during the audience

Accessibility

• Stroller and wheelchair-accessible routes available
• Ramp access provided on the right semicircle of St. Peter’s Square
• Seating is unassigned and first-come, first-served

Additional information

• Mandatory airport-style security screening is required; allow 30–60 minutes for entry, especially in peak season
• Dress code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for all attendees
• Aisle seats offer the best chance of a close-up view of the Pope as he moves through the audience
• Audience tickets are free but must be reserved in advance—we handle that for you
• The event is subject to the Pope’s schedule and may change; check the Vatican’s official calendar for updates
• Held only on Wednesdays; your guide will accompany you early to help secure a better viewing spot

Follow a Vatican expert along an insider route, from the Museums to the Chapel and straight into Basilica, with zero wait.

• Everything you get: Skip the Vatican ticket lines and explore the Museums with a local expert, covering key galleries and masterpieces. Learn the legends and context behind Michelangelo’s frescoes before entering the Sistine Chapel, then continue straight into St. Peter’s Basilica through a direct internal passage, bypassing the 2-hour public queue.
• Why choose this: A professional guide streamlines your visit with clear context, making this the smartest way for first-timers to see the Vatican’s highlights, while saving hours and avoiding the hassle of re-queuing for the Basilica.
• Upgrades: Go semi-private (max 10 guests) for a calmer, more personal experience.
• Choose early access to beat the crowds, with the option to climb the Dome for sweeping views over Vatican City.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

• St. Peter's Basilica Access

• Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Japanese-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)

• Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)

• Headphones

Exclusions #

• Gratuities

Enter before opening hours for a quieter, crowd-free Vatican experience.

• Everything you get: Start your day early and skip the ticketing lines to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before 8am—well before the crowds arrive. Tour iconic rooms like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms with your expert guide, then admire Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes in rare peace. From there, continue into St. Peter’s Basilica, taking in masterpieces like Bernini’s Baldachin and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
• Why choose this: This tour gets you inside before the doors open to the public—giving you space, silence, and time to absorb the Vatican’s most famous sights without the usual chaos.
• Upgrades: Add a dome climb to your tour for access to the top of St. Peter’s—climb the stairs for unforgettable panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

• Entry to St Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)

• Semi-private group of 6 (as per option selected)

• Entry to St Peter's Dome (as per option selected)

• Breakfast at Vatican Courtyard (as per option selected)

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Headsets

Exclusions #

• Gratuities

Learn about the world’s largest basilica and its history as St. Peter’s burial site with an expert guide and priority entry.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a guided tour of the glorious St. Peter’s Basilica with reserved entry, led by a licensed guide in your chosen language. From Michelangelo’s Pietà to the Papal Tombs, uncover the art, rituals, and stories that shaped Catholic history.
• Why choose this: Go beyond what meets the eye—this isn’t just entry, it’s a guided deep dive into centuries of faith, the making of a major pilgrimage site, and hidden spaces most visitors miss. Plus, you skip the long entry lines.
• Upgrades: Add Dome access by elevator to reach St. Peter’s terrace—the easiest way to see Rome from its highest point.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs

• Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide

• Dome access via elevator (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Bring a valid passport or photo ID for security checks.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs.
• Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered; avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and luggage are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Glass objects, weapons, or sharp items are prohibited.
• Flash photography is not permitted inside the Basilica.
• Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and low-cut garments are not allowed due to the dress code.
• Strollers are not permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Food and drinks are not allowed.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• The activity is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
• The Dome climb involves over 300 narrow steps in an enclosed space and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility.

Additional information

• All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks; allow extra time, especially during peak hours when wait times can be up to 2 hours.
• Meeting point and time may vary depending on the option booked; please check your confirmation details and arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated or refunded.
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome may be subject to closure without prior notice due to religious ceremonies or Vatican events. If the underground or Dome is closed, alternative arrangements will be made.
• The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and during major celebrations like Easter. On such days, your guide will take you to the Pinacoteca Gallery instead.
• The elevator for the Dome only goes to the first balcony; the remaining ascent (320 steps) must be done on foot.
• The tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now & pay later options are available.
• Headsets are provided for clear audio during the tour.
• Please ensure you select the correct tour option (Regular Guided Tour or Dome Climb Tour) before booking.
• Photography without flash is permitted in most areas.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking and stairs involved.

What to bring

• Wear comfortable shoes as both experiences involve walking and stairs.
• Dress appropriately for religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered; short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and see-through clothing are not permitted. A shawl or scarf is recommended for head coverage if needed.
• Bring a valid photo ID or passport to match your booking if requested.
• Carry your smartphone voucher to show at the entrance or to reception staff.
• Consider bringing a camera for non-flash photography at the basilica.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage; lockers are available on site.
• Food and drinks, including water, inside sacred areas.
• Flash photography, tripods, filming equipment; mobile phones are prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
• Power banks inside the Vatican Museums.
• Pets (except registered service animals).
• Smoking, alcohol, or drugs anywhere on the premises.
• Access through the Holy Door is not included.
• Children under 7 are not allowed in certain areas of the basilica tour.
• External guides or opting out of the assigned guide in Vatican Museums is not allowed.

Accessibility

• Not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues, prams/strollers, or visitors with walking difficulties, heart conditions, claustrophobia, dizziness, disabilities, anxiety disorders, or pregnancy.
• Some areas include stairs, narrow passages, or sections that may not be accessible.

Additional information

• General entry to the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is free, while this ticket provides skip-the-line access.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time for smooth check-in.
• Entry is only permitted through the reserved entrance line.
• All guests pass through airport-style security at the Vatican; wait times can reach 30 minutes during peak season.
• Strict dress codes are enforced at both sites; failure to comply may result in denied entry.
• Management reserves the right to close sections due to force majeure, religious ceremonies, or weather; such closures do not entitle visitors to a refund.
• During Jubilee years or special ceremonies, certain areas may be inaccessible, including St. Peter’s Basilica.

Inclusions #

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

• Access to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

• Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French or German

• English guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (as per option selected)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

• Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

• English guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Transfers